365 Ways to Beat Stress

by Adam Gordon

No other book offers so many easy-to-use and diverse stress-relief techniques in a uniquely attractive gift package.

With a different technique or tip for each day of the year, no other book offers such a wide range of ways to release stress and anxiety, all set in an attractive illustrated design that will make dipping in for inspiration a joy. All the practices are effective yet also easy to follow, even if you have never tried them before, and range from energy techniques such as simple shiatsu, to quick stress fixes such as visualizing a blue bubble, to methods of life simplification such as avoiding a news overload and rationing your evenings out, to inspiring visualizations such as imagining yourself as the sky or as a lotus floating on water. This is one of the first two publications in a new 365 series from Watkins, showcasing easy, accessible and effective approaches to dealing with our demanding modern lives. Readers are free to work through the book in any order they like, either using the chapter headings to deal with aspects that they feel need particular attention (for example, home, work, relationships, mind and spirit, or stress and emotions), flicking through at random or selecting ideas in chronological order. There is no need to subscribe to any particular belief, lifestyle or long-term practice; this is simply a collection of brilliantly effective ideas that together have the potential to transform lives.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2019

Reviews

[Kirsty ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book of 365 hints, tips and  meditations to help beat stress. Something to read in one go but also dip in and out of dependent on mood. There was so much packed into this tiny book

Looking at the printing style I had this on kindle but I think it would work much better as a paperback/coffee book. It has a lovely calming colour palette as well. Really enjoyed flicking through this and will probably go and get myself a paper version to keep on the book shelf

[Patty Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley, Watkins Publishing and Adam Gordon for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.

This is a much better selection than the 365 Ways for Peace that I recently reviewed. I found that these selections were much more useful and more meaningful ways to decrease stress in your life. These are not quotations or selections from famous thinkers but rather concrete ideas on what you can do tomorrow to affect change. In the introduction, Gordon states that he thought it impossible that there could be 365 ways to destress, but now he realizes there are hundreds of ways. I found that an odd statement, but yes, I agree, there are so many small things you can do that really can have a profound impact. Obviously some are easier than others, some easier for some people and harder for others, some short term and some long term, but I found lots that I could implement into my life.

There are lots of groupings from how to start your day, things you can do at work, dealing with emotions, past traumas, ways to destress your body. How to put ease your mind, create a calm home, ideas to become more creative and how to end your day. Some are obvious and I have heard many times before in other sources and some are good reminders. Some of the ones I loved are: imagine six impossible things before breakfast, wake up as if you have amnesia and can’t remember any of your past mistakes, etc., think how you can give joy to at least one person today. Some are quiet simple like breath (a yoga breath) ten times before you get out of bed, open the window and take a breath of fresh air, walk a pretty route. Some are very practical like be mindful of money, or choose one day a week to not spend any money. So overall not a bad selection, I think there’s something for everyone, but nothing earth shattering or groundbreaking.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all know how stressful life can be and how difficult it can be to find a method of relaxation as an escape from stress and anxiety, but there are so many books on the market that claim to be able to combat stress that it often seems like a minefield when determining which to choose to spend your hard-earned money on. I must say, I was very impressed by the breadth and depth within these pages. It collects so many different techniques to relieve stress in one information-rich, accessible format that anyone would be able to follow and use.

Structured in a linear, straightforward fashion it has chapters covering: morning, dealing with stress and emotions, making positive life changes, mind and spirit, body, the peaceful home, work, people, creativity and play, and evenings. It's the type of book you dip in and out of at your leisure and when needed; a reference guide. Best and most important of all there is something for everyone here but it's also possible to skip the sections that don't apply to you. Many thanks to Watkins Publishing for an ARC.

[Dana-Adriana B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for this copy.
This book is teaching you how to get over everyday stress and see positive.
Recommended for everyone who gets overwhelmed in life and needs to take a break.

[Page Grey (Editor) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I love about this book is it's too easy to understand. It didn't try to be more than what it is. It's not pretentious. Lol, I sound like talking about a person but I know you get the gist of what I'm saying. This book is helpful in a way that it gives you what you really need without giving you a hard time first. The writing is too clear. The writing is as simple as teaching you ABC and maybe that's intentional and strategic since the book is titled and is about how to beat stress. This book sure isn't stressful. I just hate self-help books that try so hard to look smart, as if they're the only books you need to have a beautiful life. This book isn't like that. It's simple but it gives what you want from it.

So yeah, this is a great book and I highly recommend it.

I was provided a copy by the publisher/author via Netgalley. Thank you.

[Jessica (TheBookNerd5) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased, honest opinion.

I'm a super stressful person with lots of anxiety. My "favorite" thing to do is worry. I'm trying my best here lately to calm down and de-stress. It's definitely not easy by any means. I saw this book on Net Galley and quickly snatched it up. I'll take all the help I can get when it comes to beating stress.

I learned quite a few things from this book. A lot I already knew but it's nice to be reminded of simpler things we can do to help out. I will say, some of the ways felt like they were thrown in just to reach 365 differences. I would've preferred a fewer amount with more substance to them if that makes sense. 

There's no way I can list all my favorite tips from the book so I'll just list a few.

*Look forward, not backwards. This was nice because sometimes we only look at the past instead of focusing on the future and ways we can conquer it.
*Decide to be happy. Now this one is tricky because I totally believe it's not as simple as just "deciding" to be happy. I took this to mean, be aware of your emotions and try to look on the brighter side of things. Wake up and say "today will be a great day" and then try your best to make it a reality. 
*Write down your worries. I recently started an anxiety journal where I keep track of my worries, things to help me while I'm having a panic attack, etc. It's really helped to write down these fears/worries and then it sort of releases it from my brain for a bit. It's hard to explain but I hope you can try it and find relief.
*Don't jump to the worst case scenarios. I'm the queen of jumping to worst cases. I don't even allow myself to think whatever is going on has a simple explanation/fix. It just goes to the MAX and I spiral from there. 
*Write a letter to yourself to read when anxious. Now this is cool!! I never thought of doing this and I definitely plan on writing a letter asap. It's just nice for your calm self to tell you that everything will be okay. That whatever you're going through is temporary. You'll overcome this!
*Make smaller goals. Take baby steps. Set goals you can easily reach. It doesn't have to always be something major. Let yourself have the win.
*Take eye breaks. This is something I'm learning to do more and more. Resting your eyes is soooo important. Eye strain is a real thing and being on electronics 24/7 isn't the best for us.

There are plenty others that I enjoyed but I think that gives you a gist of what's inside the book. If you pick up this book, I hope it helps you tremendously. Good luck with all your de-stressing!!!!

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 3 out of 5]

RATING: 3 STARS
2019 (APRIL 30th for eBook/Feb for paperback); Watkins Publishing

As I read through the books and tried to add some of the suggestions to my life, I found it hard to use. What I mean is Gordon assumes you do things in a certain order, and that is how everyone does it. I guess you could order them to meet your needs but the book is not set up in a way for it not to be linear. I think this is one book you will either take to or you won't so I rated it a three. I highly recommend you either first take a look at a sample (if provided on sites like Amazon), or flip through a copy at a book store or library and see if it is something that would fit you.

***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***

My Novelesque Blog

[Etienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better then the previously reviews (365 Ways to Find Peace) this one doesn't focus on quotes, but truly on «helpful» idea or techniques to keep your mind in a relax state of mind. They’re not that great or original but some are and again, this book can be left here or there (coffee table, bedside, work, personal bag, or any other place) where you can pick it up and read some when you need it, read one every morning or whatever. They are organized by good categories of even that can cause stress so if some situation causes you more stress than other, it's easy to use and go directly where it will help you. Not much for me here, but smart, easy and simple idea that I’m sure can help some people!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review will post on my site closer to publication, which both Amazon and Netgalley have currently April 16, 2019
~~~~
365 Ways to Beat Stress is exactly what it sounds like: Suggestions to try and ‘beat’ the various stressors in your life. There are different sections in this brief book that focus on various parts of life. Some of those sections include:
Mornings
Quick Fixes
Positive Change
Mind and Spirit
Home
Work

This book can be read as quickly or slowly as you want. You can read whole sections at once or focus on one day at a time (There are 365 ways, so you have one a day for a whole year!).

For me personally, some sections worked better than others. While some of the ‘ways’ seemed like they could cause stress in the beginning, but ultimately end up relaxing (learn to knit) some I just did not see feasible as a reducer for stress (Learn ASL/ a foreign language/ join a choir/ walk to work).

There are some good suggestions for ways to beat stress, some you could do on vacation at the beach!

We are all different and have our own unique stressors. The various ways to beat stress might work for me, but may not work for you and vice-versa. This is overall a decent read that could help you with reducing stress in some way. You should find something that will work for you in this book.

Special thanks to Watkins Publishing for sending me an arc copy to read and review via NetGalley.

[Dora (Swift Coffee Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably don't admit to something unbelievable when I say I requested this book because I feel like I have to much stress in my life. Why would anyone read a book like this for any other reason? Throughout university I found myself more and more unable to handle all the stress, and while it became better after I graduated, I'm still afraid it all coming back. I could definitely use some tips on how to relax.

The tips in this book can be divided in three groups: 1. tips that I'm sure I will use 2. tips that might work, but I'm a bit skeptical and 3. tips I'm 100% would never work for me. And I think that's okay. It's really hard to find any tips on how to handle things in one's life, how to control one's feelings, how to stay calm. We all work differently. I think the essential here is that I found some helpful tips that work for me, and those will improve my life. I'm sure everybody else feels this way, they all have these three groups of the tips: what's awesome is that we all put different tips in them. What works for me, might never work for you, and what didn't work for me, might be a perfect fit for you. I do think, though, that every people can find something useful in this little book.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book of tips to help relieve day to day stress. I will go definitely refer back to this book from time to time to help me remember how to handle some of life’s stresses. I like the way the book is divided into categories, this will be helpful when you are looking for help with a particular need like sleeping or traveling. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for advice on how to handle stress.

I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.

[January Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent resource that you will return to time and time again! I highly recommend this book.

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I am a full time carer of my mum who is diabetic, has Menieres Disease, arthritis etc for ten years and then more recently my dad who has mixed dementia which consists of Vascular & Alzheimers, I am er. . .busy and naturally get stressed. Added to my own health issues I am always looking for ways to feel peaceful or de-stress so when I came across 365 ways to find peace I thought it may be helpful for me to read it and thinking along those same lines I decided this book might be a good book to read too. I mean I think if they are being honest most people will admit to being stressed out at some points in their life or work. I think we could all do with a little help to de-stress our lives.

The cover of this book has a pale. Pastel peach as its background and has feathers and butterflies which I guess when you think about those item’s they could relax you and so help with stress. Would this book cover stand out on a bookshelf? I can’t honestly say as it would depend on what other books is was nearby.

The genre of this book is self-help, though I think could fit into the “gift book” category. It could also be within the “new year/ new me” type of genre.

So what can I say for the book, well it was an interesting read but it mostly consisted of ways to de-stress that I already knew. I suppose if you sit down with a cuppa and this book that would be relaxing and help you de-stress too.

The books suggestions go into detail on how to achieve the best results by doing things such as “Wake up naturally” and “Engage all five senses.” The one I often do is “Sing in the Shower”. The book continues suggesting “Put on a bright shirt”, “Decide to be happy”. The suggestion/way to that I loved was “Read a classic” Well I don’t read many classic books but I do find that reading does reduce my stress level. Whether its reading a magazine, a newspaper, a textbook, or a fictional story, they all provide escape from whatever is/was stressing you!

This book was fairly interesting to read as an ebook, but personally I think it would be much better to read as a physical book. I feel some books are just better in a physical format to flick back and forth through.

It would make a good gift idea for someone. As the title says 365 Ways to beat stress as a physical book it could be read on a daily basis.

[Momo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blogger at Momotips

I received a DRC of this book courtesy of Watkins Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!

Each of us at some point in life feel stressed, the reasons can be various and what everyone suggest us is to relax and calm down. Something extremely easy to say but difficult to apply in real life. I read "365 ways to beat stress" mostly for curiosity. The book is so well structured that we can decide to read at once or focus on what is our today’s interest. There are several aspects that made me like this book, first of all I really enjoyed how is structured. It is divided in parts regarding daily life and for different situations. For example, there is the part regarding the morning, how to wake up well, how to start the day in a positive and relaxed way. Then there are parts helping us to calm down when we have to take a difficult decision or if we feel stressed at work for a particular reason. This book made me think about the way I normally deal with problems, and I found several best practices. What I also like about this book is that gives practical help to deal with stress. It’s a kind of ABC of dealing with stress and see life in a positive way while pushing away bad thoughts. At the end of the book there are also practical exercises.

[Samantha Grenier · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this book suggests a stress relieving idea for each day of the year, but the reality is, here are 365 ideas, you probably preform 20% of these already. Not that that’s a bad thing though. As suggested, sometimes you need a reminder to say a ritual affirmation, or drink camomile tea at night before bed. Rather than tackling one stress reliever per day, one may take on 12 consciously/unconsciously.

There are a LOT of great ideas for stress reduction in here, but there are also some I would consider stress-inducing, such as “speak up for your beliefs,” or “plan a royal surprise for your partner...”. I found that as the ideas progressed, the ideas didn’t so much feel like stress-reducing concepts, but rather joy-enhancing projects, which isn’t such a bad thing.

I literally read this book during a stressful time in my life. I’m recovering from surgery, I’m on deadline (or overdue) for work, all balled up with social obligations for the holidays. Taking time out to read was a idea gleamed from this book (uh... I’m taking the “read a classic novel” concept liberally). Well it did feed me. So yes, I recommend this book, but I doubt it’ll reduce the outcome of anyone’s blood pressure reading.

I requested this eBook from NetGalley for review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** Thank you Netgalley and Watkins Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. ***

I’m always on the lookout for books about self development. So when I heard about this book series, I was so excited to pick it up.

The format and graphics of the book are beautiful (with a touch of minimalism) and surprisingly calming. I felt incredibly at ease as I read from 1 to 365 in one-go. There is a diverse array of advice that is given and they’re all very insightful towards different aspects of life. Under each example, Gordon explored more in depth in how to fully achieve the feeling of serenity and gratitude.

I usually love picking up self-help and personal development books, but I’ve never found one that is so compact and comprehensive. It’s a small handbook that you can have around with you. There is no order in which you should read it. Whether you what to try one stress reliever a day or jump around to several a week, “365 Ways to Beat Stress” is so versatile. I would recommend this to anyone.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I have ever read a book with so many ways to relieve stress. The best books in the self-help categories are books that have new techniques that we never heard of before and every time you read them, you learn something new. This book had it all including meals to have for each time of the day which I never even thought about. We are always on the lookout for new books on stress relief since everyone in the community including the library staff handles stress in their own different way and we all can benefit from this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Watkins Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. We will definitely consider this title for our self-help/stress management section in our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Diah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was torn between giving it 2 or 4, reasons below.

1) it started out better than fine, with easy step to follow up to jump start the morning, e.g., singing in the shower, have a healthy breakfast, etc.

2) it became too spiritualistic (?) in the middle with saying to reconnect with the element, practice dhristi, etc.

3) although to note, some if not most were still applicable irl, example: do yoga, power walk

4) however, it left a bad taste to me (pure opinion)

3/5

(I received a digital ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

[Tesha Ham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of great tips and ideas that most everyone could easily apply to their lives to relieve their stress. The sections are well-formatted and easy to follow; and the ideas are all split into times of day, emotional situations, and life events. I think this is a great book that could be very useful for anyone feeling stretched thin.

I voluntarily read and received a free ARC copy of this title through NetGalley in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. There are lot of different sections to this book. There were  some that I read and some that I did not. I went with what I was drawn too. I have been going over this book a little few months. I found some of it help and beneficial. It is a good resource for thing that can be thought provoking. I enjoyed using it for my journal. 

[Karma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice collection of ideas. The best way to read this book is to go through all of it once and then pick up a random idea from the area you like, such as travel stress if you are traveling soon, and apply that one to your life immediately. It is impossible to do 365 things at once but doing one can help you over and over again.

I received a free book from NetGalley.

[Ravenclaw Library Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an excellent book on techniques to beat stress.
This will help me reach my goal for reducing stress in my life.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Watkins Publishing and Adam Gordon for providing an eARC my opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.

#365waysToBeatStress #NetGalley

[Danielle Russell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rather than relieving stress, I found most "tips" stressful. The book may be good for someone who isnt experiencing mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, but for someone with it, the book comes across as condescending.
*Free book via Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.*

[CwtchUpBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something for everyone in this little book. Really helpful advice and information about a broad range of stress-busting techniques. Have just ordered a bunch of essential oils to try out. Will definitely return to this.

[Stefanie Bevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a list of 365 ways to beat stress - each way was broken down into a category and then had a short paragraph underneath explaining the idea more in depth. It was an easy and quick read and provided good tips.

[☆Dani☆ ☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book rejuvenating! I was going through so much stress when I read this book but I took notes on the tips I enjoyed the most and found them very effective. A great read to help ease the stress!

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives you suggestions on helping to beat stress, ok read.Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my review.

[Bernadeth Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite practical and reminder for us to see that a little things also can change our day and lessen our stress. Good to read.

[martha_bookaholic ©️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consigli in pillole
Carino

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too bad in general. Definitely dated and adapted to UK audience, not everything will makse sense to everyone.
However, there are some very good and interesting points. Quick, light read.